We ve been busy! 2017 has been another key year for building the TRUGG program and awareness: Destination BC Journeys project, bringing our trails to life worldwide Northern BC Destination Development Strategy Education Program development, involving stakeholders from across SD59 Two large projects awarded through BC Rural Dividend Fund for a total of $468,000 direct funding from the Province of BC Introducing Lotus Travel to the region
The Geopark Program The Canadian Commission of UNESCO (CCUNESCO) have adopted the Canadian Geoparks as one of their direct programs Visibility in Ottawa Financial support to attend and present at annual meetings Support internationally, specifically at UNESCO headquarters in Paris
Our Program continued Our Education Strategy and Program are now underway SD59 supports Grade 12 for credit course, linking TR to the University of Alberta, with support from Northern Lights College Special themed short courses to bring students into the area Lesson plans that align with the new BC Provincial Curriculum
Our Program continued We are in the process of signing an MOU with the Royal BC Museum, and are working with their staff already on education, public outreach, and scientific research We have scientific advisors from world class universities, including Dr. Stephen Johnston, Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta We are furthering the protection of known, internationally significant palaeontological resources by engaging with the Province of BC
Our Program continued Continuing local events for our community involvement Guided outdoor adventures, painting and traditional crafts, events for all abilities International Mountain Day Festival Wild Women of the Geopark
Our Program continued Engaging in the international Geopark community Andi Andezit Visit to Romania and resulting Twinning Agreement with Hateg Attendance at EGN conference
GGN Youth Instagram: A TRUGG led global initiative. We have proposed a new project for a global Instagram account just for youth It is simple and requires no additional funds beyond staff time By using a hashtag, such as #geoyouth, we can have students from around the world share images of their territory, starting with Tumbler Ridge and Hateg The President of the Global Geopark Network, Nickolas Zouros, fully supports the proposal and has brought it to the GGN Executive Board this week for approval.
Continuing to work on economic development of the region Lotus Travel TIABC Conference Northern BC Tourism Board Geo Interpretive Centre project
Funding This Year BC Rural Dividend Fund, 2 nd and 3 rd Intake Successful Applications, total of $468,000 Mobile Geo-Centre Redesign of existing space into an interpretive garden with simple cafe Regional displays in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Chetwynd District of Tumbler Ridge, Program Coordinator, $36,000 Half-time position Marketing funds over $90,000, plus office space and utilities PRRD, Tourism Development Fund $30,000 Province of BC, General Funds, $30,000 Conuma Coal, Meikle Wind, Tumbler Ridge Community Forest
Background: From our evaluation letter: 5) besides the existing display of palaeontological content, more content on the basic knowledge of geology, geoheritage, Geoparks, geological history, introduction of distinctive geosites, and local cultural history and relics should be added. 6) improve the Geopark infrastructure and service facilities, including the Geopark tourist map, leaflet of the entire Geopark (including an introduction to the Geopark), field guide book, and improve the existing geotrail brochures, adding more geological explanation (aimed at the broad public). 8) Special emphasis should be given also on the construction of a Geopark outdoor interpretation system, including introductory boards of the Geopark (including a Geopark introduction and a tourist map with practical information such as transport details, length, walking or driving) at the suitable site in the Tumbler Ridge urban area, interpretation panel at each geosite. 10) The involvement of local communities in the geopark activities should be further promoted. 13) After the formal integration of TR in the GGN, visitors should e clearly informed that they are visiting a territory of excellence that is included in a worldwide network support by UNESCO (UNESCO logo should be added on related publications, printed material, interpretation panels).
We couldn t have done it without the PRRD! Unrestricted and operational funding is very difficult to attain. The initial $200,000 investment from the PRRD in 2015 has allowed the TRGGS to leverage funds from the Province, Corporate Sponsors, the District of Tumbler Ridge and NDIT The PRRD funds have paid for salaries, regional and international conferences, and our international evaluation.
We are asking for long term support. Vision: Grow our team to four permanent full time team members. Executive Director Geologist Education and Public Outreach Marketing and Administration We have looked at the following Geoparks as examples that would fit well in our region: Lesvos UGG, Greece 6 permanent staff, plus director (3 geologists), 18 temporary Gea Norvegica UGG, Norway 4 permanent staff (2 geologists, 3 rd for next year) Hateg UGG 6 permanent staff (2 geologists, one palaeontological advisor)
The Global Perspective There are 35 UNESCO Global Geoparks in China, which all receive federal funding. They have anywhere from 50 to 600 staff members. Other Geoparks, such as the North Pennines UGG in the UK, employ 20 full time staff plus seasonal staff, with overlapping designations The North Pennines (UK), Gea Norvegica (Norway), Sobrarbe (Spain), Eisenwurzen (Austria) and Chablais (France) are all examples of Geoparks which receive core funding from their regional districts. There is a general consensus that a Geopark should directly employ a geologist or other earth scientist (geographer)
What are we requesting? We propose that the TRGGS become a line item in the PRRD operating budget, based on our border We are looking for 50% of operational salaries, plus basic annual travel as required by our UNESCO designation Our team of four: Executive Director: $70,000 Geologist: $60,000 Education and Public Engagement: $58,000 Marketing and Administration: $42,000 Conferences: $10,000 (2 individuals to one conference annually) General Funds for Marketing and Outreach Opportunities: $10,000 Total: $250,000, at 50% is $125,000 per year.
What are we doing for the Peace Region? The ultimate aim of a global geopark is to bring enhanced employment opportunities for the people who live there. From The UNESCO Global Network of National Geoparks in the volume Geoparks: Think Outside the Park McKeever, Zouros and Patzak
THANK YOU!